Army suicides hit a record high in July. A former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army talks about why the suicide rate is increasing now. We also have the second part of our story on the rise of heroin abuse in California. Pussy Riot, the punk rock girl band, has been sentenced to two years in prison for staging a protest in a famous Russian Orthodox Church. And if you're looking for something to do this weekend, Meghan McCarty has you covered with her Weekend Alibi. She'll tell you where to go to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the publication of the first Tarzan story published by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Finally, Madeleine has some news for listeners about some changes to the show.

Recently on The Madeleine Brand Show

Today, India faces one of the world's biggest power blackouts. We talk with author Maggie Koerth-Baker about what the U.S. can learn from their infrastructure problem. Then, a look at the man who could be the Democratic party's next superstar: San Antonio mayor Julian Castro. Plus, we bring you the latest female attire controversy in the Olympics, and an unusual sport played in L.A. called Eskrima. Reporter Jed Kim goes to try it out for himself. Comedian Teresa Strasser ponders whether having a baby is easier the second time around for Parenting on the Edge, and writer Jonathan Lethem listens to Talking Heads.

Mitt Romney's trip abroad has not been without its problems. The Republican presidential nominee arrived in Poland today on an overseas tour that has provided a fair share of gaffes ... and some hefty fundraising. Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics will begin one of the biggest technology patent trials today. This weekend, NASA's latest rover touches down on Mars. Humorist Cole Gamble stops by and talks with Madeleine about survival, and how the things we think will help us survive might actually kill us. And finding it's place among all the tent-pole and popcorn movies this summer is a little movie that could. Beasts of the Southern Wild started slowly, playing in just four theaters, but now its showing in more than 100. And it's the return of the 626 Night Market!

Let the games begin! Hundreds of athletes are in London to compete for the gold. We'll hear how Olympic officials are evaluating their gender. Along with the big events like track and field, the Olympics features some more esoteric sports: trampoline, badminton, twenty-five meter rapid fire pistol shooting. Reporter Jed Kim begins his series on lesser known sports here in Southern California. Dragon boat racing anyone? LA County Sheriff Lee Baca and his second in command, Paul Tanaka, face questions over allegations of inmate abuse. Frank Stoltze has the latest. A new book gives parents practical advice on how to talk about sex and we find out what happens to screenplays after studios refuse to turn them into movies. Plus, your Weekend Alibi...

KPCC's Alex Cohen sits in for Madeleine this week. Unrest in Anaheim was long overdue according to OC Weekly's Gustavo Arellano, who grew up in Anaheim's 'Tragic Kingdom.' And a surprising new study reveals exercise may not be that important when it comes to losing weight. Plus, we turn our eyes to the ultimate hack, faking out iris scanners with less than $50 worth of equipment, which were once considered the pinnacle of security. Author Elijah Wald explains why "The Dozens" has impacted artists from Ice Cube to George Carlin. And an inside look at the Church of Scientology.

KPCC's Alex Cohen sits in for Madeleine this week. The LA City council votes to shut down medical marijuana dispensaries. They say legitimate users can grow their own pot, but just how much skill and money does it take to do that? Plus, violent clashes continue in Anaheim over an officer involved shooting, we'll get the latest. And in China, rescuers work frantically to save a woman drowning in a river, you won't believe what happened when they pulled her from the water. And Luke Burbank is back with the awesome and not awesome news of the week.

KPCC's Alex Cohen sits in for Madeleine this week. It could fill an olympic-sized swimming pool in 10 seconds flat, but a controversial tunnel project that would bring much needed water to southern California could kill off fish populations in the north. And, during one of the driest summers ever, why aren't the candidates talking about climate change? The LA City council is set to vote on a ban on all 800 medical marijuana dispensaries in the city. And then, how a few words can dramatically increase the value of a $1.25 yard-sale castaway.

About The Madeleine Brand Show

The Madeleine Brand Show, exclusively on 89.3 KPCC, 89.1 KUOR and 90.3 KVLA, captures the spirit of the West in a conversational, informal, witty style and examines the cultural issues people are buzzing about. Hosted by Madeleine Brand, and produced by Kristen Muller, Steve Proffitt and Sanden Totten, the show includes regular segments like Weird L.A. - highlighting a person, place or thing that you've never heard about, but probably should; Parenting on the Edge - a weekly discussion on the challenges and pitfalls of raising kids; as well as regular contributors like Luke Burbank, Rico Gagliano, Brendan Newnam and John Moe to help dissect culture, technology and business news.